I’d like to introduce you to an exceptional lady: Linda Stone, who shared her laughter and smiles with us for a short 75 years. A special part of our world was lost the day Linda could no longer battle the insidious demons of Cancer.

I was asked if I’d like to write something about Linda. I have never written anything under these circumstances. I’ve only celebrated a person’s life. So that is what I will do.

Linda arrived in the San Fernando Valley in July of 1979, met her husband, Warren Stone on March 23, 1981 and fell in love seven days later. Warren smiles and says they were 31 good years. They purchased a home in Twin Lake, Chatsworth, November, 1981, which began her 31 year love affair and passion for bettering her community: Boards of Directors for the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association and the Immigrant Genealogical Society, volunteer for the California Traditional Music Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Chatsworth Library Association, Chatsworth Historical Society, Save Chatsworth Inc., Happy Hooker Knitting, Twin Lakes Property Owners Association and the Chatsworth Coordinating Council.

If you were fortunate to have known Linda, I don’t need to remind you of her humor, humanity, energy and enthusiasm. Many of you will remember her big smile from the CTMS Country Store at the Solstice and Equinox Festivals while Warren supervised the parking lot.

What I want you to know most is that Linda enjoyed even the smallest detail of life. She laughed at silly balloons, relished the 7 layer chocolate cake and loved the view of the orchids even though they were not allowed in her room. Everything was wondrous, fun and exciting. She embraced others and held them in her heart. She was thankful for everyone and everything that came her way. She embraced life with one never-ending gigantic hug.

If you could talk to her, Linda would tell you that, like it or not, the big stuff takes care of itself, and to sweat the small stuff for only about 30 seconds.

She would remind you to tell those in your life that you love them and then go dancing….…well you know the rest.

Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013, from 2:00 pm to 5:00pm at the Simi Valley Elks Club, 1516 Kuehner Drive, Simi Valley, California 93063. Parking is limited. Car pool if you can. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Immigrant Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 7369, Burbank, CA 91510.